Sources:
The selenium content of grains and vegetables depends on the selenium content of the soil. In meats, selenium content is dependent on the diet of the animals. Foods with higher selenium content include Brazil nuts, seafood (especially tuna), chicken, beef, pork, lamb. Also present in air, water, soil, metallurgy, airborne coal/oil emissions, dandruff shampoo, paints, photo cells, drums, photocopiers, glass, ceramics, rubber, pharmaceuticals.
Absorption factors:
Selenium tends to be well absorbed, and the bioavailability of selenium in the form of selenomethionine is greater than 90%. Sulfur, lead, arsenic, calcium and iron reduced the absorption of selenium. Urine is the main route of excretion and reflects recent dietary intake. Plasma is useful for assessing nutritional selenium status.
Biochemical reactions:
Selenium is a part of selenoproteins that are important for antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone formation, DNA synthesis, and reproduction. Deiodinases in the thyroid incorporate selenium and I'm important for conversion of thyroxine to active T3. Glutathione peroxidase is a selenium-dependent antioxidant enzyme that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. Some research suggest that plasma glutathione peroxidase levels may be a good indicator of selenium status.
Selenium
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